The quality of mercy is not strain'd;
It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven
Upon the place beneath. It is twice blest—
It blesseth him that gives, and him that takes.
It is an attribute to God himself;
And earthly power doth then show likest God's
When mercy seasons justice.
This "quality of mercy," described by Portia in Shakespeare's "Merchant of Venice" is a characteristic of a good Christian. Christ Jesus said (Matt. 5:7), "Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy."
